Bit indie - bit posh

Rosy Tin Teacaddy, Sunday October 25 at the Granary Café, Founders.

 Experience has taught me that indie-folk really isn't my cup of tea, until Rosy Tin Teacaddy paid a visit to my table last night as the 2009 Arts Festival winds to a close.

Firmly strapped to their guitars, Wellington singers Billy Earl and Betty Grey along with their neighbourhood band, served a brew sweet enough to keep me thirsty for the duration. I'm a sucker for harmonizing and clever lyrics about the pains of living, so the combination of the latter with a cleancut 60's look was additionally refreshing.

 The predominantly Nelson crowd appeared equally impressed as the good-looking couple (in life and on-stage) shared vibrant energy amongst themselves and the audience. With hearty belly-chuckling we embraced the unashamed black humour of Kiwiana-kitschness – sometimes a little bit jazzy and blue, country and even a ‘styley’ remix of a song performed earlier in the evening. A clear favourite was the ‘pick-up song’ designed to ask the one you want to come home with you.

 Humour wove its way through the introductions and songs according to how and why the lyrics came about. One example is the week-long 'writing camp' they set up early in a new year, one task being to write a portrait song for each other from opposite ends of the house. It turns out he is a blackbird that shouldn't be caged and she is like a wonderful cup of tea to be savoured in bed - or something like that. But it felt good and left me thinking that all lovers should attempt to write a song for the other.

 Backed with some delicious violin solos by Shona Jaunas, Janet Holborow on cello, Ben Fulton on guitar and Al Fraser on bass, it altogether alluded to a professional and polished evening, despite the odd sound problem and disproportionately loud electric guitar dominating the soundscape at times.

 Rosy Tin Teacaddy’s impeccably crafted and performed songs were quite unlike what I’d seen and heard within the indie genre – it’s still indie, but it’s a little bit posh, and I liked it.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First

I agree with your comments.. I think they are a rare breed indeed... so refreshing to hear some good light hearted banter ... and personally liked your style of writiing Paula.. ( have you tried song writing? ) Regds Marie Ewens.   #1   04:03 pm Oct 28 2009

I agree with Paula's well written comments on the Nelson artists.. Billy Earl and Betty Gray of the Rosy Tin Teacaddy group... it is so refreshing to find some artists who are articulate, well written, talented ... and prepared to laugh at themselves from time to time... I think they are one of Wellington's little secrets... let us just enjoy this secret for the time being... Regds Marie

Ad Feedback